Call for Papers Closed with Over 430 Submissions
The Call for Papers for the 2011 conference closed with the impressive number of 436 submissions. The eLA Review Committee, chaired by independent ICT4D consultant Shafika Isaacs, is currently in the process of ing and evaluating the proposals that came in from all parts of the Continent, from Europe, Asia and the Americas.

By the beginning of March, a draft agenda will be available. "By then we hope to present a programme that will inspire animated discussion and robust debate" says Ms Isaacs. "We have received submissions from key players in education and ICT4D in Africa, including large organisations and grass-roots initiatives. This year''s focus on youth and skills development was enthusiastically received by many and we can present great examples of how Africa''s youth can be empowered by the spread of digital technologies."

In putting together the agenda for Dar es Salaam, eLearning Africa will make sure that it lives up to its reputation of being a unique community of practitioners, showcasing a great diversity of different approaches in the field of technology-enhanced learning and training on the Continent.

This newsletter will keep you up-to-date with news of the event. Stay tuned!

Capture this! How ICTs are Empowering People Across Africa
The 2nd eLearning Africa Photo Competition aims to capture how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can nurture talent, skills and innovation across Africa. We invite you to send us your photos that depict outstanding achievements in Africa - empowered by ICTs, or that show innovative ways in which ICTs can foster the development of people, communities and society. We are looking for your contributions from any sector of life - be it health, agriculture, business, community life or education - innovation is everywhere and it can come from every single one of us!

To find out more and spread the word, eLearning Africa 2011 is launching a new photo competition, encouraging people across Africa to Capture this! How ICTs are empowering people across Africa.

China''s Mighty Telecom Footprint in Africa
China plays a major role financing and supplying telecom and ICT equipment to Africa, a precondition for eLearning. Chinese companies have broken the monopoly of Western telecom giants in Africa, helped to bring down charges and contributed to the triumphal success of mobile phones on the Continent. They have also donated educational communications hardware worth millions of dollars. However, China''s engagement has attracted mixed reactions.

[more]
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Professor Sugata Mitra to Deliver Keynote Speech at eLearning Africa 2011
Sugata Mitra is currently Professor of Educational Technology at Newcastle University. Considered a pioneer in his field, Professor Mitra is best known for his "Hole In The Wall" experiment, whereby he studied the potential of minimally invasive education by placing an Internet-enabled PC in the wall of an Indian slum, leaving it there for anyone to use. In this interview, Professor Mitra helps us to understand what technology can offer some of the most marginalised members of society. Drawing on examples from his own research, Professor Mitra goes on to offer practical advice to developers and eLearning professionals, highlighting some of the key shifts in the landscape of technology and learning.

Smart Ideas for Economic Growth - An Interview With Dr Dinah Mwinzi
The Kenyan Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is currently constructing one hundred greenhouses in various Youth Polytechnics across the country so that students can be trained in greenhouse farming. This is one of the measures undertaken by the Ministry in order to plug the skills gap among the country''s young people. "For Kenya to develop, we need technicians, technologists and engineers," says Dr Dinah Mwinzi, Director of Youth Training. "And we have to empower entrepreneurship amongst our young people by supporting smart ideas for economic growth." eLearning Africa had the honour of interviewing the exuberant political practitioner.
[more]
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eLearning Africa is Taking to the Hills!
In May this year, just before the eLearning Africa conference, a diverse group of eLearning professionals from across the globe will climb Mount Meru, in Tanzania, as part of the EAST Challenge. The aim of the challenge is to raise scholarship funding for low-income African teachers and education professionals to attend the eLearning Africa conference in Dar es Salaam from the 25th to the 27th of May.

TIGA Awards 2011: Celebrating Excellence in eGovernment
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Government of Finland have announced the third Technology in Government in Africa (TIGA) Awards for 2011. These awards recognise African governments'' effective use of ICTs for public services. One of the awards - in the category on Improved Educational Services Through the Use of ICTs - is organised jointly with the eLearning Africa Conference and Scholarship Trust.

AVU Launches Online Open Education Resources Portal
The African Virtual University (AVU) launched the interactive Open Education Resources portal OER@AVU in January this year. The portal can be accessed at http://oer.avu.org and contains quality resources developed together with twelve universities in ten African countries. The resources are released under the Creative Commons open licence. Through the portal, AVU will enable academics throughout the African Continent and beyond to share, distribute and disseminate their resources globally and thus contribute towards Africa''s economic development through education.

Exhibition and Sponsorship Opportunities: Place the Spotlight on You!
The eLA conference and expo will take place in the top trade convention location in Dar es Salaam, the newly built Mlimani City Conference Centre. Our exhibition team is ready to assist you with every step of planning and will help make sure that you fully benefit from your involvement in this unique education event. For further information about exhibiting and sponsoring opportunities, or to book your place, please contact Cecilia Hulshof at marketing@elearning-africa.com.

[more]
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The eLearning Africa News Service is brought to you by E³ Communications. Chief editors are Andrea Marshall and Beate Timmer. Contributing editors are Christine Cayré (South Africa), Edris Kisambira (Uganda), Reuben Kyama (Kenya), Talent Ng''andwe (Zambia) and Brenda Zulu (Zambia). If you would like to submit story ideas or write for us, please contact us on: ela@e3-communications.com.

Call for Papers Closed with Over 430 Submissions
The Call for Papers for the 2011 conference closed with the impressive number of 436 submissions. The eLA Review Committee, chaired by independent ICT4D consultant Shafika Isaacs, is currently in the process of ing and evaluating the proposals that came in from all parts of the Continent, from Europe, Asia and the Americas.

By the beginning of March, a draft agenda will be available. "By then we hope to present a programme that will inspire animated discussion and robust debate" says Ms Isaacs. "We have received submissions from key players in education and ICT4D in Africa, including large organisations and grass-roots initiatives. This year''s focus on youth and skills development was enthusiastically received by many and we can present great examples of how Africa''s youth can be empowered by the spread of digital technologies."

In putting together the agenda for Dar es Salaam, eLearning Africa will make sure that it lives up to its reputation of being a unique community of practitioners, showcasing a great diversity of different approaches in the field of technology-enhanced learning and training on the Continent.

This newsletter will keep you up-to-date with news of the event. Stay tuned!

Capture this! How ICTs are Empowering People Across Africa
The 2nd eLearning Africa Photo Competition aims to capture how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can nurture talent, skills and innovation across Africa. We invite you to send us your photos that depict outstanding achievements in Africa - empowered by ICTs, or that show innovative ways in which ICTs can foster the development of people, communities and society. We are looking for your contributions from any sector of life - be it health, agriculture, business, community life or education - innovation is everywhere and it can come from every single one of us!

To find out more and spread the word, eLearning Africa 2011 is launching a new photo competition, encouraging people across Africa to Capture this! How ICTs are empowering people across Africa.

China''s Mighty Telecom Footprint in Africa
China plays a major role financing and supplying telecom and ICT equipment to Africa, a precondition for eLearning. Chinese companies have broken the monopoly of Western telecom giants in Africa, helped to bring down charges and contributed to the triumphal success of mobile phones on the Continent. They have also donated educational communications hardware worth millions of dollars. However, China''s engagement has attracted mixed reactions.

[more]
&nbsp
Professor Sugata Mitra to Deliver Keynote Speech at eLearning Africa 2011
Sugata Mitra is currently Professor of Educational Technology at Newcastle University. Considered a pioneer in his field, Professor Mitra is best known for his "Hole In The Wall" experiment, whereby he studied the potential of minimally invasive education by placing an Internet-enabled PC in the wall of an Indian slum, leaving it there for anyone to use. In this interview, Professor Mitra helps us to understand what technology can offer some of the most marginalised members of society. Drawing on examples from his own research, Professor Mitra goes on to offer practical advice to developers and eLearning professionals, highlighting some of the key shifts in the landscape of technology and learning.

Smart Ideas for Economic Growth - An Interview With Dr Dinah Mwinzi
The Kenyan Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is currently constructing one hundred greenhouses in various Youth Polytechnics across the country so that students can be trained in greenhouse farming. This is one of the measures undertaken by the Ministry in order to plug the skills gap among the country''s young people. "For Kenya to develop, we need technicians, technologists and engineers," says Dr Dinah Mwinzi, Director of Youth Training. "And we have to empower entrepreneurship amongst our young people by supporting smart ideas for economic growth." eLearning Africa had the honour of interviewing the exuberant political practitioner.
[more]
&nbsp

eLearning Africa is Taking to the Hills!
In May this year, just before the eLearning Africa conference, a diverse group of eLearning professionals from across the globe will climb Mount Meru, in Tanzania, as part of the EAST Challenge. The aim of the challenge is to raise scholarship funding for low-income African teachers and education professionals to attend the eLearning Africa conference in Dar es Salaam from the 25th to the 27th of May.

TIGA Awards 2011: Celebrating Excellence in eGovernment
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Government of Finland have announced the third Technology in Government in Africa (TIGA) Awards for 2011. These awards recognise African governments'' effective use of ICTs for public services. One of the awards - in the category on Improved Educational Services Through the Use of ICTs - is organised jointly with the eLearning Africa Conference and Scholarship Trust.

AVU Launches Online Open Education Resources Portal
The African Virtual University (AVU) launched the interactive Open Education Resources portal OER@AVU in January this year. The portal can be accessed at http://oer.avu.org and contains quality resources developed together with twelve universities in ten African countries. The resources are released under the Creative Commons open licence. Through the portal, AVU will enable academics throughout the African Continent and beyond to share, distribute and disseminate their resources globally and thus contribute towards Africa''s economic development through education.

Exhibition and Sponsorship Opportunities: Place the Spotlight on You!
The eLA conference and expo will take place in the top trade convention location in Dar es Salaam, the newly built Mlimani City Conference Centre. Our exhibition team is ready to assist you with every step of planning and will help make sure that you fully benefit from your involvement in this unique education event. For further information about exhibiting and sponsoring opportunities, or to book your place, please contact Cecilia Hulshof at marketing@elearning-africa.com.

[more]
&nbsp
====================================
The eLearning Africa News Service is brought to you by E³ Communications. Chief editors are Andrea Marshall and Beate Timmer. Contributing editors are Christine Cayré (South Africa), Edris Kisambira (Uganda), Reuben Kyama (Kenya), Talent Ng''andwe (Zambia) and Brenda Zulu (Zambia). If you would like to submit story ideas or write for us, please contact us on: ela@e3-communications.com.

Need to understand the hype surrounding innovation and its management? Need to know how technology and innovation impacts us - our society, economy and businesses? Curious about science and technology policies and how they translate into real outcomes and impacts? Want to manage innovation practices better? Are you keen to get info on up to date innovation policy advice and practice in developing countries? Wish to develop research and analytical skills in science, technology and innovation studies?

What is the Master of Management in Innovation Studies?
The Master of Management in Innovation Studies concentrates on innovation from both the policy and management perspectives. The interdisciplinary programme brings together world-class faculty. It engages with an investigation of how innovation and its impact on economic growth and development can be shaped for the achievement of broad societal goals. The Master of Management in Innovation Studies programme draws on disciplinary traditions in management, public policy, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. The distinct features of the programme include:

unique offering with world-class faculty

first of its kind in the world

academically rigorous and specialised

affordable and flexible pricing (R85,000 over two years for part time candidates)

Who are suitable candidates?
The Master of Management in Innovation Studies is designed for individuals with relevant undergraduate degrees (in for example, business, economics, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, law) who intend to pursue careers in specific areas of innovation management or innovation policy in business, academia, development institutions or other civil society organisations. It is attractive to mid-level professionals who are working within agencies responsible for developing and executing innovation policy and programmes at municipal, regional or national level.
What are the admission requirements?
Applicants should have obtained a bachelor’s or higher degree from a recognized university or similar institution. In very exceptional cases an application from a person who holds a senior managerial position, who has many years of relevant business experience and is in possession of a qualification other than a degree may be considered. In addition, applicants are expected to be in possession of post-university experience. Five years post-university experience is required, and applicants with more experience have a better chance of being ed. An applicant for this programme is expected to be well motivated and to be conversant with the nature of content of innovation management and/or policy and to have a desire to acquire specialist training and education in the field.

How do I find out more?
Wits Business School will host a number of briefing sessions which will give you an opportunity to meet with Prof. Gillian Marcelle, Programme Director, Master of Management in Innovation Studies, to further discuss the details of the programme.

The Research ICT Africa Network conducts research on ICT policy and regulation that facilitates evidence-based and informed policy making for improved access, use and application of ICT for social development and economic growth. Research ICT Africa consists of a network of researchers in 20 African countries.

The history of COMESA began in December 1994 when it was formed to replace the former Preferential Trade Area (PTA) which had existed from the earlier days of 1981. COMESA (as defined by its Treaty) was established ''as an organisation of free independent sovereign states which have agreed to co-operate in developing their natural and human resources for the good of all their people'' and as such it has a wide-ranging series of objectives which necessarily include in its priorities the promotion of peace and security in the region.

However, due to COMESA''s economic history and background its main focus is on the formation of a large economic and trading unit that is capable of overcoming some of the barriers that are faced by individual states..

COMESA''s current strategy can thus be summed up in the phrase ''economic prosperity through regional integration''. With its 19 member states, population of over 389 million and annual import bill of around US$32 billion with an export bill of US$82 billion COMESA forms a major market place for both internal and external trading. Its area is impressive on the map of the African Continent covering a geographical area of 12 Million (sq km). Its achievements to date have been significant. (See also our comprehensive statistics)

Please place your mouse over the tabs below to view the latest information from UNPAN Partners.

CAFRAD Conference - Tuesday, November 22, 2016

CAFRAD is organizing a Conference of Diplomatic Career Training Schools and Institutes: “How to make African Diplomacy Schools and Institutes Levers of Regional Integration in the Light of the Pursuit of Sustainable Development Objectives”. It will be held in Tangier (Morocco) from 05 to 07 of December 2016

Seminar on the Control of Public Expenditure and Mobilization of Domestic Resources - Monday, October 17, 2016

CAFRAD is organizing a Seminar on “The Control of Public Expenditure and Mobilization of Domestic Resources: What Spending Management Mechanisms to be put in Place to Improve Public Revenue and Control Public Spending”. It will be held in Tangier (Morocco) from 31 October to 02 November 2016

The African Innovation Foundation (AIF) driver of The Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA) is pleased to announce the launch of the sixth edition of the IPA awards by calling for applications to the prestigious competition. The competition once again offers Africa’s top crop of innovators a share in a grand prize of US$150 000 and additional scalable entrepreneurial opportunities. Enterprises and individuals that have invested in delivering market-oriented solutions for African-led development are especially invited to take part in the competition. - Contributed by CPSI.

UCT Graduate School of Business Calls for African Business Leaders to Apply for Scholarship - Friday, July 15, 2016

The UCT Graduate School of Business (GSB) is inviting motivated leaders from across Africa, with a track record of action who would like an injection of skills to help them go further to apply for one of several scholarships available at the school in 2017.

Government departments and public entities are invited to enter now for the 2016 All Africa Public Sector Innovation Awards. In support of the achievement of Africa’s Aspirations for 2063, the 2016 All Africa Public Sector Innovation Awards will recognise innovations in the following three categories:

The GAP Innovation Competitions are looking for innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs that are working on novel ideas that will improve the efficiency of government service delivery, increase the competitiveness of the local economy and enhance the quality of life of ordinary citizens. Categories are in the ICT, Medical, Biosciences and Green economy. All interested parties are required to submit their applications by 2 June 2016.

Call for applications for the Pan-African Public Service Award (PPSA) - Monday, March 28, 2016

In the framework of fostering and encouraging the efforts to modernize the public administration in Africa, notably the improvement of public service for citizens, the Chairman of the Governing Board and the Director-General of the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) launch the call for applications for the 2016 Pan-African Public Service Awards. This award, which will take place during the next Forum on Modernisation of Public Services and the Governing Board of CAFRAD, to be held on June 1st in Tangier, aims to encourage and motivate members of CAFRAD to come up with initiatives and innovative ideas designed to improve public services delivery quality.

The SADC Trade Related Facility (TRF) announces the official launch of a Call for Applications. This Call for applications, is a rolling call which will remain open until 16 January 2017, the deadline for submission of applications. Member States may submit applications at any moment in time. Evaluation of applications will commence after every cut-off date. Three cut-off dates have been established for evaluation purposes, the first being 29 February 2016, the second being 22 July 2016 and the final being 16 January 2017. - Submitted by Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI)

Submissions for the 2016 International Innovations Awards (IIA) are being accepted. The IIA celebrate the spirit of innovation in the public service by recognising organisations that have made significant contributions to governance and services in the public sector. - Submitted by Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI)

African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development
(CAFRAD) is organizing a Pan African Conference on “Cultural Dimension of Administrative Reform in Africa". It will be held in Tangier, Morocco from 25 to 27 January 2016.

The African Association and public administration (AAPAM) will host its 37th Annual Roundtable Conference in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Zambia in Lusaka, Zambia from 29 February – 4 March 2016. With the theme of “Transforming Public Administration and Management (PAM) in order to contribute towards the Agenda 2063 within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals”, the conference will discuss, explore and propose concrete interventions towards transforming the African public administration and management that is central to the realization of the African Agenda 2063 vision within the context of Sustainable Development Goals. For registration, please click here.

From 19th to 26th July 2015 CAFRAD will organize a high level training in partnership with Africamex Cabinet. The programme is designed for the benefit of African senior executives in both public and private sectors. The training focuses on "Project management and management of innovative projects".

Forum on African Women and the Challenges of Peace and Development - Monday, March 09, 2015

CAFRAD and ACBF are organizing a Forum on African Women and the Challenges of Peace and Development “What role can African women play in building a culture of peace and in accompanying social and economic transformations of the African Continent? It will be held in Tangier (Morocco) from 23 to 25 March 2015

The 4th Intra-regional Workshop for Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto Regions on Popularization of the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration, organized by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia, will be held from 11-13 March in Ongwediva, Namibia.

The African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) in partnership and close coordination with the Ministry of Public Service and the Modernization of Administration of the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) are organizing the 36th Annual Conference of AAPAM, in Rabat, from 2 to 6 March, 2015, on the following theme: Effective Partnership for Citizen Centred Sustainable Development. More than 300 participants representing 30 African States are expected to attend this important Conference which will be an excellent opportunity to assess what has been done so far by AAPAM and set up a Road map for the future.

This position is located in the UNODC Country Office in Nigeria (CONIG) in Abuja, Integrated Programme and Oversight Branch (IPB), Division for Operations (DO). The Project Officer (ACA Coordination and Partnerships) will work under the overall guidance of the UNODC Country Representative, CONIG and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator (Capacity Building) in Abuja, Nigeria. For more information on UNODC please visit: www.unodc.org. Deadline for applications is 12 September 2014.

Pan-African Conference of Secretaries General and Human Resources Directors of State Institutions - Thursday, July 31, 2014

CAFRAD is organizing a Pan-African Conference of Secretaries General and Human Resources Directors of State Institutions “The Role and Place of Human Resources in Achieving Government Development Objectives and Countries’ Economic and Social Emergence”. It will be held in Tangier (Morocco) from 25 to 27 August 2014.

Calling all inventors, the Innovation Summit is back this September - Wednesday, July 02, 2014

The annual South African Innovation Summit is back in September. This time, it’s heading to Cape Town where inventors, creative thinkers and designers will all gather to share, engage and showcase some of the best innovations emerging out of South Africa.

Etisalat Nigeria has announced call for entries for the 2014 Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation. The Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation introduced in 2012 rewards the most innovative mobile broadband product, idea or service that positively impacts on African mobile users and demonstrate a valuable socio economic benefit to customers.

The Annual CPSI Public Sector Innovation Awards programme encourages best practice in public sector innovation and service delivery. It recognises successful
and effective service delivery initiatives that have been achieved through the application of innovative approaches, methodologies and tools. The Awards provide opportunities for information sharing, learning, partnerships and the replication of successful initiatives.

The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) invites all South African government departments/municipalities (national, provincial and local) and other institutions in partnership with a department/municipality to apply for funding under this call themed: Citizen Focused Frontline Service Delivery.

Applicants are required to submit a short concept note in response to this call. Should a private service provider and/or civil society organisations wish to participate, it must be done in partnership with a government department/municipality that will act as the lead applicant.

CAFRAD is organizing an International High-Level Conference of ICT Security and Defence Experts "ICT as a Modern Solution to Security Threat, Early Detection and Prevention of Crimes". It will be held in Tangier (Morocco) from 23 to 25 June 2014

Ministers of public service representing all member states of CAFRAD, as well representatives of regional and international organizations participate to discuss the strategic plan for the centre and its financial capability. The meeting is chaired by the Minister of civil service and administrative reforms of the Kingdom of Morocco.

CAFRAD is organizing an Interregional Conference for Ministers/Heads of Public Service and Modernization of Public Sector from Africa, Latin America and Arab Countries on " Developing Strategic Vision and Leadership for Public Sector Innovation and Modernization in Light with National Economic and Social Development Vision". It will be held in Marrakech (Morocco) from 12 to 13 May 2014.

CAFRAD is organizing a Seminar on "Sharing Success Stories and Challenges in e-Governance/e-Administration". It will be held in Tangier (Morocco) from 21 to 23 April 2014
For more information click here

CAFRAD Pan African Capacity Building Seminar for Women in Leading Positions - Tuesday, March 04, 2014

CAFRAD is organizing a Pan African Capacity Building Seminar for Women in Leading Positions:
Enhancing Management and Leadership Skills of Leading Women. It will be held in Tangier (Morocco) from 17 to 19 March 2014

CAFRAD is organizing a high-level seminar on innovative strategies and policies of decentralization in African countries “How can Decentralization Serve as a National Strategy for Preventing and Resolving Conflicts and a Policy for Economic and Social Development?”
It will be held in Tangier (Morocco) from 27 to 29 January 2014

We take this opportunity to specially invite you to attend the 35th AAPAM Annual Roundtable Conference hosted by the Government of Rwanda in Kigali from 18th – 22nd November 2013. The Theme of the Conference is “Quality Leadership for efficient and effective management of Public Service in Africa”. The conference will explore leadership matters in achieving efficient and effective public service delivery.

CAFRAD, ACBF an OFPA are organizing a High-Level Seminar on New Strategies and Innovative Approaches for Public Administration and Statutes “ What Administration and what Statutes to Motivate Personnel and Support Economic and Social Development Efforts ?”. It will be held in Tangier (Morocco) from 07 to 09 October 2013.

The CPSI cordially invites you to the 7th CPSI Public Sector Innovation Conference 2013 scheduled for 21 – 22 August 2013 at the Indaba Hotel, Johannesburg. The theme of this year’s conference is:
Leveraging innovation as a catalyst for enhanced Public Sector productivity.
This theme highlights the overwhelming importance of innovation within the realm of service delivery improvement and draws from the premise that effective and citizen-centred service delivery improvement can only take place guided by innovation. It emphasizes the need to mainstream innovative thinking as a strategic public sector transformation requirement.

CAFRAD Conference on "Enhancing the Capacity of Leaders of African Parliaments" - Monday, May 06, 2013

CAFRAD is organizing a Conference on “Enhancing the Capacity of Leaders of African Parliaments for more Astute Legislation” to assess the performance challenges of the legislature and to empower the parliamentarians for a higher competence in the discharge of their legislative duties for the development of Africa. The Conference will be held in Rabat (Morocco) from 20 to 22 May 2013.

CAFRAD is organizing a High Level Strategic Policy Conference on “Toward New Strategic Approaches for Prevention and Resolution of Conflicts in African Countries: How Can African Countries Strategically Address the Current Security Threats Challenging the Development of the Continent”. It will be held in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) from 25 to 27 March 2013.